Effect of Bactericide Treatments on Metalliferous Ore Tailings

Abstract

Three bactericides were used to treat uranium, nickel and copper tailings to determine the potential of using bactericides to control acid production in tailing piles. Ten gram samples were treated in beakers and placed in an incubation chamber set at 31 °c and 98~ humidity to optimize conditions for the activity of-acidophilic Thiobacillus. Induced leachates taken at 14 day intervals were analyzed for total hot acidity for a period of 56 days. The initial and final leachates were analyzed for concentrations of copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel and uranium. Initial leachates from untreated samples used for controls were tested •qualitatively far acidophilic Thiobacillus and developed strong positive responses. Bactericide treatments of copper tailings produced reductions in cumulative acidity by as •much as 33~. Correlative decreases were witnessed i'n all trace metals. This study indicates similarities between biogeochemical reactions of ore tailing materials and coal waste materials; therefore, bactericidal contrOl of acid production iri ore tailing piles should be effective.